Police World Edition 2 2013

Article

I had to stay a little longer

The following morning it was time to say our goodbyes before I headed into the heart of Washington DC to spend a few days extention to my trip exploring the capital of the USA. On this day I got my own personal, and very knowledgeable, tour guide in the form of Nico Crelo from Luxembourg who was also staying on for an extra couple of days. The many places and sights I visited whilst in DC included the Washington Monument, the White House, the many memorials to be found in DC, the Pentagon and the Bureau of Printing and Engraving - where I watched money being made. I also enjoyed a ride along with the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department. I must thank Ken Roden for all of his assistance in this stage of my trip. After exploring DC quite thoroughly I headed up to Maryland and stayed with an officer called John Monarek - which had been organised through an IPA member in my Region. John and Cori Monarek were incredibly kind to me. John arranged for me to spend some time riding with a Maryland State Trooper as well as taking me shooting. This was the first time I have ever fired a gun and I don’t think I have ever experienced such a rush of adrenaline, fear and excitement in one activity! From Maryland I headed to NYC where I stayed in Eddie's lovely apartment which is located in a very convenient location in Brooklyn close to the subway. Whilst in NYC I met up again with Calvin and Diana Chow as well as Lorraine Altieri. I also met up with Andy Wright from 1 Region Scotland who was by chance in NYC at the same time. We couldn't resist having a photograph taken in the iconic Times Square. How much smaller the world is thanks to the IPA!

I met so many fantastic people during this trip, in fact too many to name in this article but I am very grateful for all the assistance provided to me. The kindness and generosity shown to me by IPA friends truly made this trip. I know that this will be the first friendship event of hopefully many more for me. Why not come along on the next one? I would look forward to meeting up with you and the other new friends we would surely make.

Andy Wright and Donna Powell

Interested in doing something similar?Visit: www.ipauk.org/ EventCatalog/ Friendship-Weeks

Above - At Fort McHenry learning about the history of the American flag in a hands on manner Below left - Presenting the gift from Section UK to Section USA President Kevin Gordon

Police World Vol 58 No.2 2013

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